Irish Family Names and Meanings: Uncover the History Behind Your Surname

Delve into the rich tapestry of Irish culture with this comprehensive guide to common Irish family names and their meanings. Explore the origins and significance of these surnames, uncovering the stories of your ancestors and the lands they called home. From Gaelic roots to anglicized adaptations, discover the fascinating history and symbolism embedded within each name.
1. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Brian, a name meaning "strong" or "noble."
2. **Murphy:** From the Irish "Murchadh," meaning "sea warrior."
3. **Kelly:** Derived from the Irish "Caile," meaning "slender" or "beautiful."
4. **Ryan:** From the Irish "Rían," meaning "little king."
5. **O'Connell:** Descendant of Connell, meaning "handsome" or "bright."
6. **O'Neill:** Descendant of Niall, meaning "champion" or "cloud."
7. **Walsh:** From the Irish "Uallach," meaning "proud" or "noble."
8. **O'Connor:** Descendant of Conchobhar, meaning "lover of hounds."
9. **McCarthy:** Son of Carthaigh, meaning "lover of horses."
10. **Davis:** Anglicized form of "Dáithí," meaning "handsome."
11. **Doyle:** From the Irish "Ó Dubhghaill," meaning "dark stranger."
12. **Burke:** From the Irish "de Burgh," meaning "castle" or "fortress."
13. **O'Reilly:** Descendant of Raghallach, meaning "noble king."
14. **Nolan:** From the Irish "Ó Nualláin," meaning "descendant of Nuallan."
15. **Lynch:** From the Irish "Ó Lionáin," meaning "descendant of Lionán."
16. **Fitzgerald:** "Son of Gerald," a name meaning "strong ruler."
17. **O'Donnell:** Descendant of Donnall, meaning "world ruler."
18. **Power:** From the Irish "Póirtear," meaning "doorkeeper" or "keeper."
19. **O'Sullivan:** Descendant of Suibhne, meaning "dark or black."
20. **McMahon:** Son of Mághnusa, meaning "strong" or "mighty."
21. **O'Toole:** Descendant of Tuathal, meaning "noble" or "strong."
22. **Kennedy:** From the Irish "Cinnéide," meaning "handsome" or "lordly."
23. **Healy:** From the Irish "Ó hÉalaí," meaning "descendant of Éalaí."
24. **O'Shaughnessy:** Descendant of Saoirse, meaning "freedom" or "liberty."
25. **O'Brien:** Descendant of Briain, meaning "strong" or "noble."
26. **O'Callaghan:** Descendant of Colla, meaning "victor" or "war-leader."
27. **Higgins:** From the Irish "Ó hEachain," meaning "descendant of Eachain."
28. **Hogan:** From the Irish "Ó hUiginn," meaning "descendant of Uiginn."
29. **Hanrahan:** From the Irish "Ó hAnnracháin," meaning "descendant of Annrachán."
30. **Gallagher:** From the Irish "Ó Gallchobhair," meaning "stranger" or "foreigner."
31. **Fitzpatrick:** "Son of Patrick," a name meaning "nobleman" or "patrician."
32. **Finn:** From the Irish "Fionn," meaning "fair" or "white."
33. **Byrne:** From the Irish "Ó Broin," meaning "descendant of Bron."
34. **Barrett:** From the Irish "Ó Bearra," meaning "descendant of Bearra."
35. **Barry:** From the Irish "Ó Barra," meaning "descendant of Barra."
36. **Boyle:** From the Irish "Ó Baoighill," meaning "descendant of Baoighill."
37. **Brady:** From the Irish "Ó Bradaigh," meaning "descendant of Bradaigh."
38. **Brennan:** From the Irish "Ó Braonáin," meaning "descendant of Braonán."
39. **Broderick:** From the Irish "Ó Broin," meaning "descendant of Bron."
40. **Carroll:** From the Irish "Ó Cearbhaill," meaning "descendant of Cearbhaill."
41. **Casey:** From the Irish "Ó Casaide," meaning "descendant of Casaide."
42. **Cullen:** From the Irish "Ó Cuilleanáin," meaning "descendant of Cuilleanán."
43. **Cunningham:** From the Irish "Ó Coinneagáin," meaning "descendant of Coinneagán."
44. **Daly:** From the Irish "Ó Dálaigh," meaning "descendant of Dálaigh."
45. **Dillon:** From the Irish "Ó Dúill," meaning "descendant of Dúill."
46. **Donnelly:** From the Irish "Ó Donnchadha," meaning "descendant of Donnchadh."
47. **Dunne:** From the Irish "Ó Duinne," meaning "descendant of Duinne."
48. **Farrell:** From the Irish "Ó Fearghail," meaning "descendant of Fearghal."
49. **Feeney:** From the Irish "Ó Fíneáin," meaning "descendant of Fíneán."
50. **Flanagan:** From the Irish "Ó Flannagáin," meaning "descendant of Flannagán."